Essential Oil Properties by Plant Part

Essential Oil Properties by Plant Part

The heart of my practice is Wisdom of the Earth Essential Oils…exquisite, powerful plant and tree medicines that can profoundly affect our health and well-being. They support and protect us in illness, and increase our vibrancy and positive spirit in health.

Because our Wisdom of the Earth Reference Guide (spiral bound, 80+ pages) gives a comprehensive profile of each of the essences in our portfolio, including botanical name, country of origin/production information, application and usage suggestions, and key healing properties, I do not duplicate that information on this website. However, I do categorize our entire essence portfolio according to the plant or tree part from which they are produced (e.g., root, flower petal), and describe some common therapeutic properties associated with each category.

Knowing the part of the plant from which an oil is produced gives us valuable insights into the uses of that oil – for example, root essences are inherently centering, calming and sedating. This section gives you information about the healing nature of the essences, as well as a flavor of the incredible scope and depth of our portfolio.

Pure Essential Oils from Citrus Peels

As a group, citrus essences are wonderful for lifting your spirits; they provide comfort and a sense of well-being. Additionally, they are highly anti-bacterial, anti-cancerous and relaxing. They are great to diffuse in the home or a sick room.

Pure Essential Oils from Cones

The pinecone has, for centuries, been associated with the pineal gland and spiritual expansion. The cone can be seen in Vatican City, as well as in ancient art from many cultures, and generally is said to symbolize spiritual enlightenment, divine wisdom and immortality. These essences are excellent for meditation, amplifying intention or prayer, and for brain balance and health.

Pure Essential Oils from Flower Blossoms/Petals

Flower blossom essences are in a class by themselves! Many flower essential oils are produced by chemical extraction, however we are grateful to have several which are produced by steam distillation (Rose and Neroli). As a group, flower blossom essences are extremely heart opening and are powerful, natural aphrodisiacs. They show us our greatest potential and they show us the power of acting from a place of love.

Pure Essential Oils from Flowering Tops

A great many essences are produced from the flowering tops of medicinal plants. While these are not as homogeneous in their healing properties as other categories of oil source, literally all are anti-bacterial, and many are excellent for digestion, stress reduction, headaches, hormonal balance and colds/flu. They help us get or stay in harmony, and are often purifying in nature.

Pure Essential Oils from Grasses

Essences produced from grasses tend to be very anti-bacterial, very purifying and anti-parasitic. Many also have a warming effect on the body.

Examples in our portfolio of oils include American Lemongrass, Indian Lemongrass (pictured), Citronella and Palmarosa.

Pure Essential Oils from Leaves and Twigs

As this is the part of the tree or plant which breathes, it is not surprising that essences made from them support the human respiratory system. These help us breath in life, as well, reminding us to take in life…and air…fully.

Pure Essential Oils from Needles, Twigs and Branches

These are the “leaf and twig” counterparts in the coniferous/evergreen tree system. Again, these essences support the human/animal respiratory system. These are also known for their anti-bacterial, antiseptic properties and their ability to support the immune system. These trees bridge Heaven and Earth, and their essences help us to do the same. They are grounding, yet they allow us to soar.

Pure Essential Oils from Resins

Essences made from the resin of trees are often some of the more ancient of essences; they help alleviate emotional and physical suffering and help to release deeply held beliefs that no longer serve us. The also help us to access emotions that have been deeply repressed. They are about expression…making external (through voice and writing) what has been internal (thoughts, feelings). In the physical realm, they are often anti-viral and anti-tumor.

Pure Essential Oils from Roots and Rhizomes

Essences made from the roots of plants or grasses are inherently centering, calming and many are sedating. Via this mechanism, some can also bring pain relief. They are often aphrodisiacs. and many are anti-parasitic. They have an earthy aroma and evoke the quiet and mystery of old growth forests.

Pure Essential Oils from Seeds, Berries and Beans

These plant parts often produce an essence that addresses the reproductive system. It is also about sensuality and creativity…giving birth to new ideas, new projects, new life phases. These essences also often address digestion and energy.

Pure Essential Oils from Tree Trunks — Wood, Bark and Heartwood

Essences made from the protective covering and/or the heartwood of the tree are very powerful. Some are bold in their aroma (e.g., Sweet Birch), and others are subtle (e.g., Sandalwood). Many are grounding and sedating in nature, many are immune stimulants and are anti-infectious. Most have some benefit for the skin.